MEET THE TEAM
At DC Way, we believe that exceptional coaching is the secret ingredient to an unforgettable soccer journey. Our extraordinary team of coaches is dedicated to creating a fun and enriching soccer experience for children of all ages and skill levels. With each member bringing their unique talents and infectious energy, our coaching squad forms the heart and soul of DC Way's vibrant culture.
We're not just any team — we're a dream team! Every coach embodies the core values that make DC Way stand out from the crowd. Our foundation is built on honesty, fairness, expertise, and an unwavering passion for soccer and coaching. We're not here just to teach the game; we're here to ignite a lifelong passion between your child and the beautiful game.
When it comes to adding new members to our coaching family, we don't take it lightly. We pride ourselves on handpicking individuals who possess exceptional personality traits and coaching skills that set them apart. Our coaches bring a positive and uplifting approach to every training session, creating an environment where players thrive and grow. Honesty and fairness are ingrained in their coaching style, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported. With a deep love for the game, our coaches instill a contagious enthusiasm for soccer, making each session a joyful and unforgettable experience.
So, join us on this incredible soccer adventure where our exceptional coaches inspire, mentor, create magical moments, teach lifelong skills, and unleash the soccer stars within.
Denis Chekuristov
Founder & Program Director
Denis comes from a long tradition of soccer. His father, a professional player, started teaching Denis soccer as soon as he could walk. He also comes from a tradition of education. His mother has taught school for over 25 years. Denis went through the Volgar Gazprom FC youth academy system, played successfully on the collegiate level, was one of the first people to play futsal in his city Astrakhan, Russia. He holds a National Soccer Coaching License for ages 8-12 years old and Coerver Coaching Youth Diploma and regularly attends seminars to improve his coaching skills.
Denis was voted the best sports coach of the 2016 and 2017 by Washington City Paper!
Roman Kilishek
Executive Director
Roman fell in love with a game of soccer when he was a child and he believes it played a huge role in his life. Roman holds an MBA degree from George Mason University and brings with him extensive experience in finance and project management. His skills help DC Way be successful and have all day-to-day operations under control.
Melis Bayraktaroglu
Marketing Manager
Melis graduated from The George Washington University School of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing and a minor in Organizational Sciences. Growing up in Turkey, she has always been focused on tennis and competed in professional tournaments until joining the varsity tennis team at GW. Melis also volunteers in her free time to help reduce chronic homelessness and participates in other activities to give back to the community. Her past experiences in the field of marketing allowed her to gain great organizational and leadership skills that lead her to excel at coordinating our programs and other aspects of DC Way.
Mae Holmberg
Program Manager
ONUR SENOL
Digital Marketing Specialist
OUR COACHES
All of the DC Way Academy coaches are certified soccer coaches with extensive experience working with children. Our coaches have all passed mandatory background checks, have at least two years of experience working with children, and have received First Aid training.